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Williams, 25, made his Wales debut as a late replacement against Tonga last summer and started at inside centre during their autumn internationals against Australia and New Zealand.

Welsh player Barry John in action during the British Lions' tour of New Zealand, 1971. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

However, he has featured mostly at fly-half for Gloucester since making the summer switch from Leicester and has gained the backing to thrive there for Wales by the man widely regarded as the best player to have worn the number 10 shirt for the country.

“I would go for Owen Williams, switch him from 12 to 10, and pair the Scarlets duo of Hadleigh Parkes and Scott Williams outside him,” British Lions legend John wrote in his column for Wales Online.

“I’ve always been a fan of Anscombe, a lovely footballer who unfortunately has been beset by injuries that have hampered his progress.

“Playing in a Cardiff Blues side who are up and down at best has also affected him and I feel his best role for next weekend is from the bench.

GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Owen Williams of Gloucester passes the ball during the Aviva Premiership match between Gloucester Rugby and Northampton Saints at Kingsholm Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“So I’d stick with Williams, who brought a new facet to Wales’ play in the autumn and deserves his chance as principal playmaker.

“His influence on the team will be pivotal. Because of what comes up immediately after, Wales simply cannot afford to get off to a losing start.”

Wales face Scotland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday with Gloucester back-row star Ross Moriarty also in contention to play with the team due to be announced on Tuesday.